Day One

• Aligning accurate, realistic load forecasts with power infrastructure investments to reduce risks of over/under-procurement or stranded assets
• Synchronizing data center energy timelines with generation, transmission and interconnection planning
• Building transparent partnerships to prioritize capacity development, regional demand and navigate market uncertainties
• Identifying credible, near-term data centers from speculative demand to ensure resource planning reflects executable load

• Assessing end-user priorities to tailor solutions that align with shifting demands for speed, technology type, pricing models and sustainability goals
• Designing flexible power strategies that consider existing generation for near-term reliability with new build commitments for long-term additionality
• Clarifying expectations around contract structure and operational timelines to accelerate alignment on power delivery plans

• Understanding utility application requirements to minimize delays and reduce timelines for load studies and engineering assessments
• Identifying regulatory, permitting and interconnection bottlenecks early to collaborate on workarounds, alternative pathways or phased approvals
• Examining the complexities of utility interconnection processes across regions, ISOs and utility types, from co-ops to merchant generators, to navigate approvals more effectively

Kickstart your conference experience with a burst of energy and connection! In this fast-paced session, you’ll connect with peers through quick-fire introductions that spark meaningful conversations that last throughout the conference and beyond.

• Implementing cost allocation and contracting models that ensure large loads fund required infrastructure while protecting other customer classes
• Defining firm and non-firm load commitments with flexible terms, collateral and interruption provisions to balance renewable integration and reliability
• Tailoring agreements to customer type—hyperscalers, enterprise and colocation—to enable speed, fairness and long-term investment certainty

• Evaluating financial backing and long-term commitment assurances to support reliable infrastructure investments and reduce risk across large-scale data center facilities
• Designing procurement strategies and contract terms that balance cost, reliability and sustainability objectives
• Coordinating early engagement and transparent communication between all stakeholders to align expectations and streamline decision-making throughout the contracting and procurement process

• How do you approach defining firm versus non-firm load commitments to ensure both utility resource planning and data center reliability?
• Where do interruption provisions or flexible delivery terms create the most value for integrating renewables without impacting grid stability?
• What strategies work best for setting minimum usage commitments that protect against financial risk while supporting long-term infrastructure investment?

• Navigating federal and state decarbonization policies, incentives and emerging support for firm clean energy sources like nuclear power
• Examining changing rate structures and tariff designs for large loads to balance cost, risk and regulatory compliance
• Identifying collaboration opportunities to harmonize corporate ESG targets with shifting policy and market frameworks

• Understanding the relationships between utilities, IPPs, hyperscalers, colocators and developers in regulated markets: how can utilities retain their role when IPPs are required?
• Encouraging joint planning between utilities, IPPs and data centers to streamline infrastructure investments with demand
• Developing flexible partnership models that balance risk, cost and operational responsibilities to support scalable energy delivery

• Exploring how vPPAs enable data centers to financially support renewable energy without physically receiving the power, aligning sustainability goals with cost management
• Clarifying key contract elements and market considerations that define an effective vPPA, helping stakeholders navigate pricing, risk and credit structures
• Highlighting the role of vPPAs in driving clean energy procurement while balancing financial performance, regulatory compliance and corporate responsibility commitments

• What strategies are proving most effective in securing reliable, cost-effective clean energy supply while navigating grid capacity and interconnection challenges?
• How are utilities aligning infrastructure planning with accelerating data center load growth to ensure scalable, sustainable energy delivery?
• Where have collaborative partnerships between utilities, hyperscalers, colocators and developers successfully advanced renewable integration and optimized resource use?